The Union Budget 2026–27 sets out plans to transform India’s sports landscape. The Finance Minister highlighted a shift from merely funding events to building infrastructure, nurturing talent, and promoting self-reliance in sports equipment and facilities.
The government intends to prepare India’s athletes for the 2030 Commonwealth Games and the 2036 Olympics. Efforts will also focus on modernising facilities, making equipment affordable, and identifying talent at the grassroots level.
A central proposal is the extension of the Khelo India Mission for the next decade. Sitharaman emphasised that the programme will continue to systematically nurture young athletes. She described it as a key step in building a strong foundation for India’s long-term sporting success.
The Budget also seeks to establish India as a global hub for affordable, high-quality sports equipment.
“I propose a dedicated initiative for sports goods that will promote manufacturing, research, and innovation in equipment design as well as material sciences,” Finance Minister Sitharaman said.
“I propose to introduce a dedicated Rs 10,000 crores SME growth fund to create future champions, incentivising enterprises based on select criteria,” the Minister added.
Existing hubs such as Meerut and Jalandhar are expected to benefit, while accessibility of equipment across the country will improve.
Funding for sports has been significantly raised under the new Budget. The Khelo India programme now receives Rs 1,000 crore, up from Rs 800 crore. The Sports Authority of India’s allocation has increased to Rs 830 crore. Incentives for athletes have been adjusted to Rs 37 crore.
The National Sports Federations’ budget has risen to Rs 400 crore, and the National Dope Testing Laboratory will receive Rs 23 crore. These measures aim to develop sports as an economic ecosystem, providing employment, skilling, and entrepreneurial opportunities.
The Budget’s initiatives are designed to create a competitive, self-reliant sports ecosystem. By investing in talent, infrastructure, and manufacturing, India aims to achieve global excellence while fostering economic growth in the sports sector.
Also Read: Budget 2026–27 Charts High-Growth Path With Unprecedented Capital Spending
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